I just procured a bottle of Crown XR (for $59.99 -- retail is a rip off!) and I was scandalized by how much packaging went into the thing. A microfiber bag, a fake satin "bed" for the whiskey to be presented in, a thick almost leather-like box, and, of course, a box around the box to store the box in.

It seemed like a joke and a huge waste. So my poll here is:

What's the most over-packaged whiskey you've encountered?*

So far Crown XR is my "winner". I guess my ground-rule here is that it has to be packaging that seriously adds no value -- if someone packs 40 yo Macallan in Lalique and the bottle is actually worth something empty (is it?) that might be a mitigating factor.

*Even though this on the "foreign" forum, I guess it could be bourbon, too, but I doubt it...

Gillman

09-03-2010, 09:54

It's a good question, and quite of the moment seeing as there are a number of packages on the market currently with elaborate packaging. I can't pick one (too many!) to dislike in particular, but my bugaboo is heavy glass bottles. First, they are unwieldy to carry. Second, handling them makes them (in my experience) easier to drop than a normal bottle and also, the closures often don't seem to work right on the bottles that have wide necks. Third, while I am not an environmental nut, I believe bottles should be kept reasonably light to keep weight down on shipments. I recognize that marketers are appealing to different markets with these packages. Perhaps he who is most concerned with what is in the bottle is the lesser of these constituencies in their eyes, I don't know. But I like a plain package with minimal add ons. I don't care for presentation tubes much less those velvet lined receptacle boxes or modern equivalents. Don't like huge shiny brass knob closures. Just something nice-looking and easy to use. When I get a bottle festooned with paraphernalia, I throw it out immediately. Especially wooden boxes holding bottles, I don't think the close atmosphere does any good for the whiskey if kept for any time. Just my two cents.

Gary

Dramiel McHinson

09-03-2010, 19:38

If you bought XR for $59, I am extremely jealous. It was $160 here in Bama for a long time, so I quit looking at it.

I think the packaging has got to match the bottles role in life. That said, scotch has to be the most ridiculously over-priced and over packaged spirit there is. Don't get me wrong, I like me some scotch, I just don't buy it any more because the scotch I like, I can't afford. The signature artwork of the presentation case and bottle has a lot to do with the price. The taste is just what it is regardless.

For instance, My local supplier has a Johnnie Walker Blue in a blue leather case with velvet interior. The bottle looks just like all the rest of the JW bottles. Price, $230.00. Its been on the shelf for four years now. That leather is starting to look a little funky. I know it's suppose to be made from old and rare whisky but you'll never get a $230 increase in taste. So what's the point?

I suppose some folks with cash to burn want a fine looking art piece that looks good on the shelf and has the potential someday of being ruined by a weak moment and a powerful thirst. The challenge of maintaining its artful appeal and value versus drink it and chunk it gives some folks a thrill.

I forgot about that one - definitely should be included in the over the top packaging of shame list.

dmarkle

09-07-2010, 14:41

Although, I really dig on the copper clad bottle, the WT Tradition box with the "007" Deluxe Undercover Magic Button Opener (D.U.M.B.O. to us secret agent types ;)) is a touch over-the-top.

I saw that the other day, and the packaging was the reason why I moved on...

dmarkle

09-07-2010, 14:43

I agree. What the hell are you supposed to do with the giant wooden cube after you drink the whiskey. Such a waste.

If you have a pair of beloved hamsters who have recently passed from this life, you could provide them with a very dignified burial...

sailor22

09-08-2010, 05:34

If you have a pair of beloved hamsters who have recently passed from this life, you could provide them with a very dignified burial...
:lol: :lol: :lol: :slappin: :slappin: :slappin: :lol: :lol: :slappin: :slappin: :slappin:

OscarV

09-08-2010, 11:49

There was a pic posted a few years ago where someone had made a Bluebird house out of an old Booker's box, the all wood one before the plastic sliding door.

sku

09-08-2010, 12:25

If you have a pair of beloved hamsters who have recently passed from this life, you could provide them with a very dignified burial...

Ha! Maybe I'll put it on ebay as a designer pet coffin.

rmallen

09-08-2010, 16:25

Most overdressed bottle? McKenna.
http://www.bourbonheritagecenter.com/uploads/4/Image/brands_hmcken_bottle.jpg?1182967954
Is there any way they could festoon this bottle with more gaudy crap?

Ain't that the truth! All that bling on the bottle is just ridiculous!:slappin:

The Boozer

09-11-2010, 07:30

Add my vote to the McKenna bottle. Way too busy and crap on the bottle.

I consider the ORVW23 a "gift" package with the two crystal glasses and decanter vs an "overpackaged product. To me they are different.

AVB

09-11-2010, 22:31

Well, for whisky (without the "e") the Balvenie Vintage Casks are right up there. First there is the cardboard outer box with foam inserts, Inside that is a cardboard sleeve that goes around the wood box that actually hold the bottle, inserts and of course, the hangtag.

jburlowski

09-14-2010, 14:38

Most overdressed bottle? McKenna.
http://www.bourbonheritagecenter.com/uploads/4/Image/brands_hmcken_bottle.jpg?1182967954
Is there any way they could festoon this bottle with more gaudy crap?

Ezra B SB comes close.

jburlowski

09-14-2010, 14:39

Although, I really dig on the copper clad bottle, the WT Tradition box with the "007" Deluxe Undercover Magic Button Opener (D.U.M.B.O. to us secret agent types ;)) is a touch over-the-top.

Apparently done by a Las Vegas designer....

B.B. Babington

10-11-2010, 17:04

I just procured a bottle of Crown XR (for $59.99...
At that price, did ya buy all they had in stock?

edo

10-12-2010, 03:39

How about this monstrosity from Glenmorangie? No nonsense squat liter bottle of Traditional Cask Strength on a bed of burlap and more cardboard in an oversize box covered by a still more oversize cardboard box. I think it's trying to be some kind of faux rustic presentation - hearkening back to the days, when if they had had the forethought to package like this then, could have served as a great flotation devices for those now lost souls of the Titanic. Providing of course there was time to waterproof it with shoe polish, candle wax or something.

The whisky is very good. We just polished off the last three drams of one last night. Especially recommended for sea farers.

Doggerlander

10-19-2010, 15:26

I just procured a bottle of Crown XR (for $59.99 -- retail is a rip off!) ...

Good post, but I'm stuck on that price. It's $130 here, if you can find it. Where did you get it? They might have mixed up the price with the Cask No. 16.

I suppose $10-15 of that $130 is in the packaging which is probably proportional to a $13 bottle. I'm willing to pay a little to make sure my whiskey is in glass and not plastic, but that's about as far as I want to go for myself. A gift might justify a little frou-frou, however.